Diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance

ABSTRACT

Diverse acoustical modules have identical outward appearance. A series of modules each has an unobtrusive acoustically transparent surface, each module providing a different acoustical functionality while each bears a common outward appearance. Therefore, an acoustical environment can be created specifically suited for the particular application, but devoid of any distracting differences of appearance between the respective absorbers, reflectors, and diffusers that are employed to create the aesthetic appearance. One manner of installation can include a grid structure suspended from the existing ceiling and allowing each module to be removably installed in a space having a desired shape such as a square or rectangle. Alternatively, the different acoustical treatment modules can be directly surface mounted to a ceiling or wall, preferably in a manner permitting easy removal for servicing or replacing due to damage or changing acoustical characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance. The sound that is heard in most environments is a combination of the direct sound straight from the source or sources, and the indirect reflections from surfaces and other objects. For instance, in room acoustics, both the direct sound and the reflections from the walls, ceiling and floor are key in determining the quality of the acoustical results. Hence, one of the central topics in acoustics is how to manipulate these reflections that affect the way the sound propagates, and is ultimately perceived.

Sound striking a surface is transmitted, absorbed or reflected, the amount of energy going into transmission, absorption or reflection depending on the surface's acoustic properties. The reflected sound can either be redirected by large flat surfaces (specularly reflected), or scattered by a diffusing surface. When a significant portion of the reflected sound is spatially and temporally dispersed, this is a diffuse reflection, and the surface involved is often termed a diffuser. FIG. 1 illustrates temporal and spatial characteristics of absorbing, specularly reflecting and diffusing surfaces, which form the acoustical palette. In addition to the surface types shown in FIG. 1, there are also hybrid surfaces, called Diffsorbers, Abf fusors and Abf lectors, etc., which can absorb, reflect and/or diffuse, in combination, to varying degrees.

Over the past 100 years, since the founding of architectural acoustics by Sabine, there has been considerable effort devoted to studying surface absorption. Over this time, a considerable library of absorption coefficients has been tabulated based on accepted standards of measurement, and a reasonable understanding of how absorbers should be designed and applied has been achieved. This development continues and, in recent decades, many innovative absorber designs have been developed, and new ways to predict and measure absorptive materials produced. In contrast, significant scientific knowledge about the role of scattering (diffusely reflecting) surfaces has only been developed much more recently. Over the past 20 to 30 years, significant research on methods to design, predict, measure and quantify diffusing surfaces has resulted in a growing body of scientific knowledge and understanding.

Good architectural acoustic design requires the right room volume, the right room shape and surface treatments, utilizing an appropriate combination and placement of absorbers, diffusers and flat surfaces. However, most acoustical surface treatments achieve only one primary or dual function and have a very different visual appearance. For example, DECOUSTICS offers a porous absorption panel faced with an acoustically transparent scrim called “Claro,” which is used in a proprietary ceiling grid called “Ceilencio.” Others offer scrim covered absorptive panels, however, there does not exist an integrated system offering multiple acoustical modules with diverse acoustical functionality. It is with this thought in mind that the present invention was developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a series of modules with each having an unobtrusive acoustically transparent surface made of a material such as fabric, scrim, perf metal or the like, each of which provides a different acoustical functionality while each bears a common outward appearance. The present invention includes the following interrelated objects, aspects and features:

(1) In a first aspect, central to the present invention as explained above, the goal is to construct wall and/or ceiling treatments having a plurality of panels, each of which outwardly appears identical to other adjacent panels. However, beneath the outward appearance, acoustically distinct modules are mixed in an appropriate pattern to achieve the desired acoustical results. Therefore, an acoustical environment can be created specifically suited for the particular application, but devoid of any distracting differences of appearance between the respective absorbers, reflectors, and diffusers that are employed to create the aesthetic appearance.

(2) For example, a conference room may have a different set of acoustical problems and solutions than a music practice room, a classroom, a library, museum, office, corridor or atrium. In each of these separate circumstances, determination is made of what combination of absorbers, reflectors and diffusers would be appropriate to optimize the acoustics of the space, including arranging the pattern of absorbers, reflectors and diffusers. An architect or designer can select the desired outward appearance and specify that outward appearance, and all of the acoustical treatments whether absorber, reflector or diffuser are manufactured using the identical outward appearance or an outward appearance as specified by the architect or designer. Thus, for example, a ceiling could be created out of a multiplicity of modules, either having the same outward appearance or having differing outward appearances to create a pattern such as, for example, a checkerboard-type pattern using darker and lighter materials in alternating fashion.

(3) One manner of installation, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, can include a grid structure suspended from the existing ceiling and allowing each module to be removably installed in a space having a desired shape such as a square or rectangle.

(4) Alternatively, the different acoustical treatment modules can be directly surface mounted to a ceiling or wall, preferably in a manner permitting easy removal for servicing or replacing due to damage or changing acoustical characteristics.

(5) To date, Applicant is unaware of any modular acoustical treatment system that has ever been devised that utilizes aesthetic functionality to conceal the acoustical functionality of acoustical treatments such as reflectors, absorbers, diffusers or, for example, Diffsorbers, and that also facilitates easy replacement of each module as well as accessibility behind the modules.

(6) As is well known to those skilled in the field of acoustics, architectural acoustical spaces can be loosely divided into three types of environments, (1) sound production, (2) sound reproduction, and (3) noise control. An example of a sound production room is the performing arts facility such as concert halls for classical music or a theatre where speeches are given. The room acoustic contributes greatly to the perceived sound of the music or speech. The arrival time, direction and temporal density and level of early reflections, coupled with the balance of the early-to-late energy, decay time, temporal and spatial density of the late reflections, combine to define the quality of sound that is heard by listeners where they are located. In large sound production rooms, reflection and diffuse reflection are the primary acoustic tools. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of these phenomena. Absorption may be used to control reverberance, but unavoidable absorption due to the presence of paying customers must also be considered.

(7) In contrast, the acoustics of sound reproduction rooms such as recording studios and home theatres, should optimally be neutral. All of the spectral, timbre and spatial information is pre-recorded on playback media, and the reproduction room is provided to allow a listener or listeners to hear that which has been recorded as closely as possible to the sounds that were recorded. In a sound reproduction room, absorption and diffuse reflection play a key role and specular reflection is a minor contributor to the overall acoustics. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. Absorption and diffusion in that environment are used to control the coloration that would otherwise occur in the space from early arriving reflections and low frequency modes.

(8) In noise control situations, such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, and factories, the objective is simply to reduce the reverberance and sound level to comfortable amplitudes. These results are sought to reduce sound levels to prevent hearing damage or to improve the intelligibility of speech. The primary acoustic tool employed in such environments consists of uniform distribution of absorption and specular reflection as well as diffuse reflection have more minor roles. FIG. 4 schematically represents this scenario.

As such, it is a first object of the present invention to provide diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such modules that may be combined together on a wall, ceiling, or both, to enhance acoustical results while maintaining aesthetic standards.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such modules either surface mounted in the case of a ceiling or wall or mounted spaced from a ceiling on a grid or frame provided for that purpose.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a system in which the user cannot differentiate between diverse acoustical treatments due to their identical outward appearances.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such modules with surface appearances that are specifically designed to exhibit a pattern on a wall or ceiling that is aesthetically pleasing, but does not reveal the inner workings of the acoustical treatments so installed.

These and other objects, aspects and features of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the appended drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c show schematic representations of acoustical treatments, namely, absorbers, reflectors and diffusers schematically showing temporal response and spatial response for each one.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of appropriate acoustical surface treatment in an optimized sound production room.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of appropriate acoustical surface treatment in an optimized sound reproduction room.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of appropriate acoustical surface treatment in a noise control room.

FIG. 5 a shows a front view, with portions removed to show detail, of a reflective module.

FIG. 5 b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 5 b-5 b of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 5 c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 5 b.

FIG. 6 a shows a front view, with portions removed to show detail, of an absorptive module.

FIG. 6 b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 6 b-6 b of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6 b.

FIG. 7 a shows a front view, with portions removed to show detail, of a diffusive/absorptive module.

FIG. 7 b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 7 b-7 b of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7 c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 7 b.

FIG. 8 shows a front view, with portions removed to show detail, of a diffusive module.

FIG. 8 b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 8 b-8 b of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 8 c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 8 b.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a frame designed to be mounted in spaced parallel relation to a ceiling allowing downward access to facilitate attachment of acoustical modules.

FIG. 10 shows the grid of FIG. 9 from the front with more acoustical modules attached thereto.

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a further embodiment of frame designed to be mounted in parallel relation to a ceiling including the use of torsion springs.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of the grid of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 a shows a front view of a concealed ceiling grid lay-in panel.

FIG. 13 b shows one edge of the panel of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 13 c shows another edge of the panel of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 13 d shows a cross-sectional view along the line 13 d-13 d of FIG. 13 c.

FIG. 13 e shows a cross-sectional view along the line 13 e-13 e of FIG. 13 b.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of a concealed grid ceiling having modules with diverse acoustics installed using a concealed grid system.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is first made to FIGS. 5 a-c which depict a reflective module generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and including a frame 11 covered with an absorptive core 13 which in turn is covered by a non-perforated template 15 and, finally, an acoustically transparent surface veil 17. With reference to FIGS. 5 b and 5 c, if desired, the frame 11 can consist of an L-shaped cross-section profile frame construction including a horizontal leg 14 and a vertical leg 16. Alternatively, the L-shaped profile can instead be replaced with an F-type profile designed to capture the side of the panel or with more complex shapes having specific profiles best facilitating attachment to a ceiling grid. As best seen in FIG. 5 c, the surface veil 17 is preferably wrapped about the sides of the module 10 as shown at 18. A purpose for the perimeter frame is to provide a crisp visual edge perimeter to the panel, provide stability and provide a supporting structure for grid attachment hardware as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The acoustically transparent veil can consist of any porous surface offering a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Examples of alternative constructions include but are not limited to non-woven glass fiber mat, either natural or painted with a non-bridging paint, paintable decorative and acoustically transparent woven glass yarns preferably treated with a modified starch binder, woven glass textiles ranging from fine linens to twills to heavy braids and patterns. Additionally, woven metals and other fabrics may be employed so long as the central concept of the present invention is adhered to, namely, that the acoustically transparent surface veil presents a monolithic flat surface finish that conceals the particular acoustical functionality of the acoustical treatment hidden beneath the surface veil.

The non-perforated panel 15 may be in the range of 3-4 millimeters in thickness and can be made of materials such as MDF, wood, plastic, mass loaded vinyl or any suitable reflective surface. At low frequencies, such a reflective membrane also serves as a diaphragmatically absorptive panel.

The absorptive core 13 can be a fibrous panel like fiberglass, mineral wool or the like, or a non-fibrous panel such as melamine foam, polyester, bonded cotton or the like. The core 15 can be made of any desired thickness, for example, in the range of 1-2 inches. The thicker the panel, the lower the absorption extends in the case of an absorber.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 a-c, an absorptive module is generally designated by the reference numeral 20. The absorptive module 20 includes a frame 21, a porous panel 23, a perforated template 25, and a surface veil 27. The surface veil 27 is identical to the surface veil 17 illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-c. The frame 21 has the identical structure and function as the frame 11 illustrated in FIGS. 5 a-c. The structure illustrated in FIG. 6 c is analogous to that which is disclosed in FIG. 5 c including the frame 21 with its horizontal member 24 and vertical member 26. The veil 27 is similarly seen with a portion 28 wrapped about the side of the frame 21.

For effective absorption, the perforated template 25 should have an open area in excess of 20% of its surface area. If desired, the perforated template 25 could be replaced with a high density porous panel weighing in the range of 20 pounds per cubic foot or greater to provide a solid backing for the surface veil 27. The absorptive panel 23 is located below the perforated template 25.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 a-c, a diffsorptive panel is generally designated by the reference numeral 30. The module 30 includes a frame 31, an absorptive panel 33, a binary amplitude template 35, and a surface veil 37. The frame 31 is identical in structure and function to the frames 11 and 21 described hereinabove. The surface veil 37 is identical in structure and function to the surface veils 17 and 27 described hereinabove. The pattern of holes best seen in FIG. 7 a in the binary amplitude template 35 forms an optimal binary sequence such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,817,992 and 6,112,852. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 a-c, the binary amplitude template 45 is mounted over and adhered to the porous absorption panel 33. This assembly is attached to the perimeter frame 31. FIG. 7 c shows structure analogous to that which is shown in FIGS. 5 c and 6 c and as explained in detail hereinabove.

FIGS. 8 a-c show a further aspect of the present invention consisting of a purely diffusive module generally designated by the reference numeral 40 and having a frame 41, a diffuser 43, and a surface veil 47. The frame 41 is analogous to the frames previously disclosed and the surface veil 47 is analogous to the surface veils previously disclosed.

The diffuser 43 is a purely 1D or 2D diffuser as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,921 and 6,772,859. Such diffusers provide scattering in only one or two planes.

The diffuser 43 is mounted directly to the perimeter frame 41 in a suitable manner and the surface veil 59 covers the diffuser 43. The surface veil 47 may extend around the edge of the frame in the same manner as before as shown in FIG. 8 c.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, rear and front views, respectively, of a grid ceiling are generally designated by the reference numeral 60, with the grid including a plurality of main runners 61, 63, 65 and 67, extending parallel to one another, and a plurality of cross runners 69, 71, 73 and 75, extending parallel to one another and perpendicular to the respective main runners 61, 63, 65 and 67. These eight legs combine together as shown to provide a module having nine openings. In the preferred embodiment, the cross runners insert into the main runners at appropriate positions based upon the size of each acoustical module. The grid is suspended from a ceiling in any suitable manner as is well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the main runners can be slotted and the cross runners unslotted. Either configuration is equally effective.

Modules such as the module 40 are mounted to the grid 60 using snap connectors 77 attached to the perimeter frame 41 which is designed to snap into the slot 79 formed in the runner 67. A lanyard 81 is also attached to the frame 41 and snaps over the top of the runner 67 as shown in analogous fashion by the reference numeral 83. In the preferred embodiment, each module such as the module 40 includes at least four snap connectors 77 and four lanyards 81. Thus, if a module is required to be serviced, all four snap connectors are released from the grid 60 so that the panel is suspended below the grid by the lanyards 81. In the preferred embodiment, two adjacent ones of the lanyards are permanently fastened to a runner and the other two may be selectively disconnected from the runner to allow the module to swing downward as shown in the example of the module 40. In that example, the lanyards 81 a and 81 b are fastened to the runner 65 by appropriate means such as, for example, screws or other threaded fasteners.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the structure shown from the rear in FIG. 9 and shows the module 40, the module 30, and the other structure including the lanyards 81, with the lanyards 81 a and 81 b shown fastened to the runner 65. FIG. 10 also shows a number of other modules appropriately fastened including modules designated by the reference numerals 20, 30 and 40 corresponding to the reference numerals set forth above. The pattern of modules depicted in FIG. 10 is suitably determined through appropriate acoustical calculations.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further grid 90 composed of main runners 91, 93, 95 and 97 as well as cross runners 99, 101, 103 and 105. As before, the cross runners are installed into the main runners at appropriate positions based upon the dimensions of the modules to be installed into the grid 90. The entire grid 90 is suspended from a ceiling (not shown) by attaching the main runners to the ceiling deck.

Spring torsion clips such as the clip 107 are attached to the perimeter of the module, for example, 40, as best seen in FIG. 11. The module 40 is shown hanging from two torsion springs 107 a and 107 b that are permanently fastened to cross members 101 and 103, respectively. As also shown in FIG. 11, the other module 20 is shown hanging from the runners 103 and 105 by virtue of torsion springs 109 a-d. As should be understood from FIG. 11 in particular, when a module is installed on the grid 90, the torsion springs have legs that angle away from one another to provide a biasing force maintaining each module in its installed position. When a module such as the module 20 is lowered, the springs are flexed inwardly by virtue of the narrow slots such as the slot 111 through which they ride. If a module is pulled down far enough, outwardly extending legs 113 and 115 on each spring engage the edges of the slot 111 to preclude the spring 109 from being removed therefrom unless the legs of the spring are squeezed together, thereby allowing the spring and its associated module to be removed.

FIG. 12 shows the same structure as shown in FIG. 11, but from below. The modules installed in the grid 90 are provided in a pattern determined through acoustical calculations. As is the case in the grid illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the surface veils of all of the modules are either identical to one another or have differing configurations allowing an aesthetic appearance without revealing to the viewer the acoustical characteristics and performance of each module.

The visually yet acoustically distinct modules can also be simply laid into a standard T-bar ceiling grid in a flush or regular mounting. However, for safety and a more aesthetic appearance, now described is another embodiment for a concealed grid ceiling lay-in installation.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 a-e, additional details of the grid system of FIGS. 11 and 12 are seen in more detail. In FIGS. 13 a-e, a module designated by the reference numeral 120 includes edges 121 (FIG. 13 b) and 123 (FIG. 13 c) which allow simple lay-in into the grid and the use of lanyards such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 to secure the panel 120 to the grid. The end condition 125 (FIG. 13 e) allows the panel 120 to slide into a T-bar 127 allowing the opposite side 129 to rest on the T-bar as shown at 131 (FIG. 13 e). The two opposite sides shown in FIG. 13 d show, at 133, simple touching of the bottom of the T-bar 127. The panel 120 can be removed by pushing upward in the view of FIGS. 13 d and 13 e, sliding the panel into the groove 125 and then lowering it.

With reference to FIG. 14, grid 140 is shown from below as suspended from a ceiling using hangers 141. One of the panels identified by the reference numeral 150 is suspended from lanyards 151 and 153 for accessibility. Another panel 160 is shown as inserted. As before, each of the modules received in the system 140 has a surface veil that obscures to the viewer the acoustical characteristics thereof.

As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments thereof which fulfill each and every one of the objects of the invention as set forth hereinabove, and provide diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance of great novelty and utility.

Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof.

As such, it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims. 

1. In combination, a multiplicity of acoustical modules mounted adjacent to one another within a room, said modules including: a) a first module having acoustical characteristics chosen from the group consisting of absorptive, reflective, diffusive and a combination of absorptive and diffusive; b) a further module having acoustical characteristics differing from the acoustical characteristics of said first module; c) each module having a face facing toward said room, said face being covered with a surface veil substantially transparent to sound waves but hiding, from view, structure of said module.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein surface veils of said modules are identical to one another.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said surface veils are made of a material chosen from the group consisting of non-woven glass fiber mat, woven glass yarns, fine linens, and woven metals.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein each module includes a frame with an acoustical treatment mounted on said frame and beneath said surface veil.
 5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said surface veil has peripheral edges wrapped about said frame.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein each said frame is rectangular.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said modules are mounted on a wall.
 8. The combination of claim 6, further including a grid system suspended from a ceiling of said room, said modules mounted in said grid system.
 9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said grid system includes a multiplicity of rectangular openings, each sized to receive a module, each module being removably mounted in a said opening.
 10. The combination of claim 9, wherein each frame has an L-shaped cross-section.
 11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises a reflector.
 12. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises an absorber.
 13. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises a diffuser.
 14. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises a diffsorber.
 15. In combination, a multiplicity of acoustical modules mounted adjacent one another suspended from a ceiling of a room, said modules including: a) a first module having acoustical characteristics chosen from the group consisting of absorptive, reflective, diffusive and a combination of absorptive and diffusive; b) a further module having acoustical characteristics differing from the acoustical characteristics of said first module; c) each module having a face facing toward said room, said face being covered with a surface veil substantially transparent to sound waves but hiding, from view, structure of said module, said surface veils being made of a material chosen from the group consisting of non-woven glass fiber mat, woven glass yarns, fine linens, and woven metals; d) each module including a rectangular frame with an acoustical treatment mounted on said frame and beneath said surface veil; and e) further including a grid system suspended from said ceiling of said room, said modules mounted in said grid system.
 16. The combination of claim 15, wherein said surface veil has peripheral edges wrapped about said frame.
 17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said grid system includes a multiplicity of rectangular openings, each sized to receive a module, each module being removably mounted in a said opening.
 18. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module comprises a reflector.
 19. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module comprises an absorber.
 20. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module comprises a diffuser. 